Collection: Cinsault

Cinsault is a grape that often flies under the radar, playing a supporting role in blends across southern France. Spend a little more time with it though, and you'll see why more winemakers are letting it take centre stage. When yields are kept low and the fruit is picked with care, Cinsault produces wonderfully expressive wines that are fragrant, fresh and incredibly easy to enjoy. It's particularly at home in the warm vineyards of the Languedoc and southern Rhône, but exciting examples are also coming from South Africa, Chile and Lebanon.

Unlike bigger, more powerful reds, Cinsault is all about elegance. Expect bright cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit, gentle spice, floral aromas and soft tannins that make it approachable from the very first glass. It has a freshness that sets it apart from many Mediterranean reds, making it just as enjoyable lightly chilled on a warm evening as it is alongside dinner.

For years, Cinsault earned its reputation as a blending grape, adding perfume and softness to wines made with Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Those blends remain some of the Rhône and Languedoc's greatest strengths, but today many growers are proving that Cinsault deserves recognition in its own right. Old vines, careful farming and minimal intervention winemaking have revealed just how much finesse and personality this grape can offer.

If you enjoy lighter styles of Pinot Noir, Gamay or Frappato, there's every chance you'll find plenty to like here. Cinsault is wonderfully versatile with food too, pairing effortlessly with grilled vegetables, roast chicken, charcuterie, Mediterranean cooking and anything coming off the barbecue. It's a grape that rarely shouts for attention, but more often than not it's the bottle that's empty first.